Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Driver In Weekend Crash That Killed Hinsdale Man Charged

Bond is set at $750,000 for William Decero, who was charged with aggravated DUI after a car crash that killed Hinsdale resident Thomas Fitzsimons Sunday morning.

Written by Karen Chadra and Joe O'Donnell

UPDATED at 12:07 p.m.

The driver in a one-car crash in Oak Brook Sunday that resulted in the death of a Hinsdale man has been arrested and charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol.

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William J. Decero, 49, of Downers Grove, appeared in court on Monday. He is being held in DuPage County Jail on $750,000 bond.

At 12:04 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, Oak Brook police and fire departments responded to the area of Spring Road and Salt Creek Circle for a report of an accident with injuries. Decero was taken to the hospital, and his passenger, Thomas Fitzsimons, 48, of Hinsdale, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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READ: Hinsdale Man, 48, Dead After Oak Brook Car Crash

Decero was driving Fitzsimons' vehicle, according to a release from DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin. Berlin's office alleges he swerved off the road and crashed the vehicle into a wooded area. 

An area resident called 911, according to the Berlin release, and Oak Brook police officers arrived to find both men still in the vehicle and wearing seat belts.

Decero was released from the hospital Monday afternoon and was immediately taken into custody.

“Once again we see the tragic consequences of an alleged drunk driver,” Berlin said in the release.

The Class 2 felony Decero is charged with is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. 

"Our condolences go out to Mr. Fitzsimons’ family and friends who are now grieving their loss," Berlin said.  

Decero’s next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 26, in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.

According to The Doings, Fitzsimons was a shareholder with Greer Burns and Crain law firm in Chicago and worked in intellectual property law. He was married with two children in elementary school.

There are plenty of ways to keep up on area news:

Patch reports on law enforcement activity using information provided by official agencies. Persons charged with a crime or issued a citation for violation of a local ordinance are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you or a family member are charged with a crime or cited for a violation and the charge or citation is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to contact karenc@patch.com and we will do follow-up reporting on the case. 


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